Bhopal, – The vibrant streets of Old Bhopal came alive with the cheerful chaos of Rangpanchami celebrations, where children drenched each other and unsuspecting passersby with water-filled plastic bags. While the festive spirit was undeniable, the rampant use of plastic bags revealed a pressing environmental issue that demands attention.
Despite the Municipal Corporation’s ban on plastic bags, they were widely seen on the streets, with children eagerly filling them with water to launch at anyone in their path. While the enthusiasm was high, the disregard for the environmental damage caused by this action was equally clear. The discarded plastic bags not only cluttered the streets but also contributed to soil and water pollution, which poses a long-term threat to both the environment and public health.
The surprise attacks left many pedestrians soaked, with some expressing frustration over the chaotic scenes. Though the children’s excitement was in full swing, their fun came at the cost of a growing environmental crisis that is hard to ignore. The use of non-biodegradable plastic bags makes it even more difficult to protect the city from the harmful impact on nature.
In response, the Municipal Corporation has urged citizens to follow the rules and take responsibility. Shopkeepers caught selling plastic bags face fines, and guidelines for Rangpanchami celebrations explicitly ban the use of plastic during Holika Dahan and Dhulendi. However, enforcement continues to be a challenge.
